Every week I get several questions from Nigerians wanting to know more about Cameroon. One question stands out. Do you have stable electricity? After my response to a nairalander who wanted to know about electrical stability and life in general, I felt I will replicate the essay on a thread for others to read and get insights on the basics. My write up is far from being a perfect essay on Cameroon but it sure gives some insight.

Cameroon has its problems like most African countries. Unlike Nigeria we have only known two leaders after independence. Ahidjo a Muslim for 22years and Paul Biya a Christian for 38 years. A country of 25 million for a land mass exactly half the size of Nigeria (475.000sqm), life for the most part is stable. A very peaceful and safe country until much recently. The minority English speaking Region which makes up a fifth of the country has been fighting to secede.

An ideology sponsored by some of its elites living abroad, has brought much of the English speaking regions to its knees. Armed secessionist fighters of the English Speaking region the most part stark illiterates, have targeted school children and other English speaking Cameroonians with opposing views. The end results have been horror on those living in the English speaking regions, from both an over zealous and callous army and the brutal seccesionist fighters. Scary right? Lol

That said only parts of the English speaking region has been affected. The main towns are somewhat secured. Still the area has become a shadow of it's once vibrant self. If you had asked me to tell you about Cameroon before 2016 October you would have been so impressed at all fronts.

The French speaking area which makes up the most part of the country is relatively stable and safe at this point. I live in Douala, a town of about 3.5 million people. It is the economic capital of Cameroon. A fast paced town but nothing compared to Lagos. The traffic in lagos is mind freezing. Lol

The town of Douala like most towns in Cameroon has a sizable expatriate population of Nigerians, most involved in different business activities. The rule the vehicle spare part business. The are also heavily involved in electronics and house hold items. Same is true for Yaounde the political capital.

In English speaking towns like Bamenda Nigerians own three quaters of the stores in the main market. Heavily involved in the sales of cosmetics, shoes, and clothing. In Kumba another English speaking town that has been heavily affected by the secessionist crisis Nigerians own the market.Lol Involved in almost every aspect from cosmetics , building materials to food stuff. There is this funny story of when the Kumba market picked flames a few years back. It is said several Nigerian merchants bothered not trying to rescue their goods. The were more bothered safe guarding their juju pots hidden at different corners of their shops..Lol

Same is true for other English speaking towns like Tiko and Limbe with a huge Naija population. The majority of these merchants are of Igbo origin often betrayed by their accent. Lol It has been rumoured that when immigration officers come checking for residence permit, unable to tell who is a Nigerian the do ask each suspect what is the sum of 15+15. Whoever says THARTY instead of THIRTY is a Naija...Lol That said many have lived in Cameroon for so long or where born here making them blend easily.

In many riverine communities you will find Nigerians from Oron, Ifik and Ibiobio involved in fishing. In other areas like Muyuka they are involved in farming. Generally most French speaking Cameroonians refer to every Nigerian as Biafrans..Lol Interestingly I have never seen a Yoruba man in Cameroon. Only recently did I meet a Nigerian Hausa; a tailor.

Cameroon has stable electricity. Infact very stable electricity. Hydro electricity the main source is generated from a large dam in the river Sanaga. Recently another hydro power was built giving electricity supply a very stable status. Let me put it this way, for over a year and more I have had non stop electricity 24/24 from ENEO the electricity company.

While still heavily involved in Business I visited Lagos a few years back with the hope of locating my car Business. I opened a thread to that effect on Nairaland that made front page. How people survive in Lagos gives credit to evolution. Lol Life is so fast paced, so insecured, area boys intimidating locals, generators fighting each other. I dont think my kids have seen a generator. That's to let you know how stable electricity is in Cameroon. We have our problems but electricity nor hunger aint one of them.

Cameroon is known as Africa in miniature and that is for good reason. The country is so varied and diverse. French and English as official languages. Divided into ten regions the anglophones are based in two. A twisted tale of how the country was seized from Germany after World war one and given to both France and Britain to administer as trusteeship.

The smaller English West Cameroon was administered as part of Nigeria by the English and East Cameroon by the French. However by 1961 a plebescite by the UN for independence gave West Cameroon the option of joining Nigeria or East Cameroon which had obtained independence in 1960 from France. The overwhelmingly voted to join East Cameroon to form the Federal Republuc of Cameroon.

The scrap of the Federal Republic system in 1972 has since become the root cause of the present crisis and infigting.The English speaking region now claims the rights and freedom to their legal system and learning enshrined in the original federal act has been compromised since becoming a Republic in 1972.. The anglophones argue they have been marginilised for too long and need to form their own country Ambazonia.

Cameroon is made up of 250 different tribes and local dialects, whilst some areas are so cold others are a burning furnace. The North is made up of millions of Muslims and the South Christians; in same proportion. Despite this diversity we dont have the kind of ethnic enemity and Religious hatred I see on nairaland. In my 41 years I have never heard of a religious killing in Cameroon. Mosques and churches line thesame street. That is the glory of being a Cameroonian.

Nice one

grandlexuz:
Every week I get several questions from Nigerians wanting to know more about Cameroon. One question stands out. Do you have stable electricity? After my response to a nairalander who wanted to know about electrical stability and life in general, I felt I will replicate the essay on a thread for others to read and get insights on the basics. My write up is far from being a perfect essay on Cameroon but it sure gives some insight.

Cameroon has its problems like most African countries. Unlike Nigeria we have only known two leaders after independence. Ahidjo a Muslim for 22years and Paul Biya a Christian for 38 years. A country of 25 million for a land mass exactly half the size of Nigeria (475.000sqm), life for the most part is stable. A very peaceful and safe country untill much recently. The minority English speaking Region which makes up one fifth of the country has been fighting to secede.

An ideology sponsored by some of its elite living abroad, it has brought much of the English speaking regions to its knees. Armed secessionist fighters of the English Speaking region the most part stark illiterates, have targeted school children and other English speaking Cameroonians with opposing views. The end results have been horror on those living in the English speaking regions, from both an over zealous and callous army and the brutal seccesionist fighters. Scary right? Lol

That said only parts of the English speaking region has been affected. The main towns are somewhat secured. Still the area has become a shadow of it's once vibrant self. If you had asked me to tell you about Cameroon before 2016 October you would have been so impressed at all fronts.

The French speaking area which makes up the most part of the country is relatively stable and safe at this point. I live in Douala, a town of about 3.5 million people. It is the economic capital of Cameroon. A fast paced town but nothing compared to Lagos. The traffic in lagos is mind freezing. Lol

The town of Douala like most towns in Cameroon has a sizable expatriate population of Nigerians, most involved in different business activities. The rule the vehicle spare part business. The are also heavily involved in electronics and house hold items. Same is true for Yaounde the political capital.

In English speaking towns like Bamenda Nigerians own three quaters of the stores in the main market. Heavily involved in the sales of cosmetics, shoes, and clothing. In Kumba another English speaking town that has been heavily affected by the secessionist crisis Nigerians own the market.Lol Involved in almost every aspect from cosmetics , building materials to food stuff. There is this funny story of when the Kumba market picked flames a few years back. It is said several Nigerian merchants bothered not trying to rescue their goods. The were more bothered safe guarding their juju pots hidden at different corners of their shops..Lol

Same is true for other English speaking towns like Tiko and Limbe with a huge Naija population. The majority of these merchants are of Igbo origin often betrayed by their accent. Lol It has been rumoured that when immigration officers come checking for residence permit, unable to tell who is a Nigerian the do ask each suspect what is the sum of 15+15. Whoever says THARTY instead of THIRTY is a Naija...Lol That said many have lived in Cameroon for so long or where born here making them blend easily.

In many riverine communities you will find Nigerians from Oron, Ifik and Ibiobio involved in fishing. In other areas like Muyuka they are involved in farming. Generally most French speaking Cameroonians refer to every Nigerian as Biafrans..Lol Interestingly I have never seen a Yoruba man in Cameroon. I have met just one Hausa; a tailor.

Cameroon has stable electricity. Infact very stable electricity. Hydro electricity the main source is generated from a dam in the river Sanaga. Recently another hydro power was built. Let me put it this way, for over a year and more I have had non stop electricity 24/24 from ENEO the electricity company.

While still heavily involved in Business I visited Lagos a few years back with the hope of locating my car Business there.I opened a thread to that effect on Nairaland that made front page. How people survive in Lagos gives credit to evolution. Life is so fast paced, so insecured, generators fighting with each other. I dont think my kids have seen a generator. That's to let you know how stable electricity is in Cameroon. We have our problems but electricity aint one of them nor is hunger.

Cameroon is known as Africa in miniature and that is for good reason. The country is so varied and diverse. French and English as official languages. Divided into ten regions the anglophones are based in two. A twisted tale of how the country was seized from Germany after World war one and given to both France and Britain to administer as trusteeship.

The smaller English West Cameroon was administered as part of Nigeria by the English and East Cameroon by the French. However by 1961 a plebescite by the UN for independence gave West Cameroon the option of joining Nigeria or East Cameroon which had obtained independence in 1960 from France. The overwhelmingly voted to join East Cameroon to form the Federal Republuc of Cameroon.

The scrap of the Federal Republic system in 1972 has since become the root cause of the present crisis and infigting.The English speaking region now claims the rights and freedom to their legal system and learning enshrined in the original federal act has been compromised since becoming a Republic in 1972.. The anglophones argue they have been marginilised for too long and need to form their own country Ambazonia.

Cameroon is made up of 250 different tribes and local dialects, whilst some areas are so cold others are a burning furnace. The North is made up of millions of Muslims and the South Christians; in same proportion. Despite this diversity we dont have the kind of ethnic enemity and Religious hatred I see on nairaland. In my 41 years I have never heard of a religious killing in Cameroon. Mosques and churches line thesame street. That is the glory of being a Cameroonian.

quite impressive, how about cost of accommodation in the cities.

grandlexuz:


Most Nigerians always think lowly of their French speaking neighbours..Lol However those who travel to these countries soon understand the meaning to the adage The child who never goes out thinks the mother is the best cook Lol

Like I explained in the write-up Kamerun was seized from the Germans and spilt into two after world war 1. The bigger part was given to France (East Cameroon) and a small part to Britain(West Cameroon). East Cameroon learned to speak French from France and West Cameroon took English from Britain. Britain administered West Cameroon from Nigeria with West Cameroon being represented in the Nigerian house of chiefs and assembly before independence.

In 1960 East Cameroon gained independence from France and became La Republic du Cameroon. West Cameroon was deemed as too small to gain self independence and governance thus the UN gave them two options to Independence. Either the join their brothers of East Cameroon and become Federal Republic of Cameroon or join Nigeria from where Britain administered them. The voted by 74% to 26% to join East Cameroon in 1961.

In most countries the area of common borders always have people of related cultures and origin. In the South West of Cameroon the prople share a common heritage with Nigerians speaking variants of same dialect. You have got the Ejagham or Ekoi which cover the Ekok - Ikom area. Sharing common names like Ayuk, Agbor, Bessem, Obi etc.

President Paul Biya has been in power for 38 years. I can't really say for certain when he is in Cameroon or Switzerland. However the media does get to blow the situation out of propotion.

The war to secede by the English speaking regions will bring some changes in the end like reversing to a federal system but splitting into two Coutries will never happen.

No, I am not relocating to Nigeria. I had thought of moving a few years back but the wahala in Nigeria is not for me. Life is too fast paced. How did I know of nairaland?Lol This guy na SARS you be? LOL. I had my first account in nairaland sometime around 2006. Forgot the password and created this one around 2011.

Pictured is the Monikim dance which is a traditional dance of my village in Cameroon and parts of Nigeria too

yh those pictures reminds me of the South East culture
About ruling for years, do you guys practice democracy because damn in Nigeria a couple would have happened if a leader tries that or a war of separation would repeat itself
I don't think any Nigeria can take that, I mean I can't even imagine it

About 25 million
Just remove 5 million and that's the population of Lagos
Do you have the government capital like Abuja in Nigeria?
Those tribes you mentioned I have no idea of not going to lie but they all sound South East Nigeria

I believe Cameroon would have been way better in Germany's control but their leader before world War 1 had to want to grow their territory


The French are known to milk their territories dry unlike the British that works with them, develop them and also milk them
In guessing they still have influence over your government just like they do to all their past colonies

Why do you guys still spend the CFA even though Franc doesn't exist
Don't you guys wanna break free from them?
In West Africa their is west African franc and it required including you guys in Central Africa to deposit half of your countries money in France

ECOWAS (west African Union) has been working for 10 years to have a single currency for all member countries just like euros for the EU
The plan was to have the currencies headquarter bank in one countries in the Western part of West Africa and the headquarter would be in Nigeria since Nigeria has the largest economy in Africa it would shoulder the currency
It was meant to launch this year but the ivory Coast (a former French colony)president went behind some countries back an damage a deal with france which means they do not have to deposit half of their currency in France but France would be printing the mobey and the currency would be pegged or euros which wasn't the plan

In short it still the same thing with more freedom, we would still have to go under the French bank to make deals and imagine Nigeria Putting their economy under france... It's just like giving France the key to West Africa
Now the name eco.. ECOWAS jata like euros European Union had been used and the 10 years plan ruined

France are still trying to have major influence over West Africa and central Africa, I even heard they found the French army is cards in a boko Haram camp

My point now is, no matter how you guys do it as long as they still have control over your economy you can't progress pass them and your currency can't be more valuable than euros doesn't that bother you guys?

How hot is Cameroon s d do you guys have states or territories like the British s d Nigeria used to until the Biafra war to prevent the leader of a territory from trying to form a country out of his territory

Is Cameroon the largest country, it may not be by population or land but economy and the likes in Central Africa?

Finally do you guys speak pidgin?

sageb:
quite impressive, how about cost of accommodation in the cities.

It depends on the city, area of the city and type of accomodation. Unlike Nigeria rents are talked about in monthly terms and not anually. An apartment of two rooms and a parlour in an average living environment of Douala will go for about 70K naira. In high end areas it could go for 100.000 Naira or more. Low end marshy areas of town go for reasonable amounts.

In most areas you pay six months upfront and consequently follow up with monthly payments.

Flytime:
yh those pictures reminds me of the South East culture
About ruling for years, do you guys practice democracy because damn in Nigeria a couple would have happened if a leader tries that or a war of separation would repeat itself
I don't think any Nigeria can take that, I mean I can't even imagine it

About 25 million
Just remove 5 million and that's the population of Lagos
Do you have the government capital like Abuja in Nigeria?
Those tribes you mentioned I have no idea of not going to lie but they all sound South East Nigeria

I believe Cameroon would have been way better in Germany's control but their leader before world War 1 had to want to grow their territory


The French are known to milk their territories dry unlike the British that works with them, develop them and also milk them
In guessing they still have influence over your government just like they do to all their past colonies

Why do you guys still spend the CFA even though Franc doesn't exist
Don't you guys wanna break free from them?
In West Africa their is west African franc and it required including you guys in Central Africa to deposit half of your countries money in France

ECOWAS (west African Union) has been working for 10 years to have a single currency for all member countries just like euros for the EU
The plan was to have the currencies headquarter bank in one countries in the Western part of West Africa and the headquarter would be in Nigeria since Nigeria has the largest economy in Africa it would shoulder the currency
It was meant to launch this year but the ivory Coast (a former French colony)president went behind some countries back an damage a deal with france which means they do not have to deposit half of their currency in France but France would be printing the mobey and the currency would be pegged or euros which wasn't the plan

In short it still the same thing with more freedom, we would still have to go under the French bank to make deals and imagine Nigeria Putting their economy under france... It's just like giving France the key to West Africa
Now the name eco.. ECOWAS jata like euros European Union had been used and the 10 years plan ruined

France are still trying to have major influence over West Africa and central Africa, I even heard they found the French army is cards in a boko Haram camp

My point now is, no matter how you guys do it as long as they still have control over your economy you can't progress pass them and your currency can't be more valuable than euros doesn't that bother you guys?

How hot is Cameroon s d do you guys have states or territories like the British s d Nigeria used to until the Biafra war to prevent the leader of a territory from trying to form a country out of his territory

Is Cameroon the largest country, it may not be by population or land but economy and the likes in Central Africa?

Finally do you guys speak pidgin?

Lol. You got me laughing with a lot of things you said. This looks like a senate grilling and I will do my best to answer.

Yes we di talk pidgin. Our own pidgin get small difference with wuna own. Orginally na
anglophones them di talk pidgin, but now so the whole country donc di learnam.

We do practice democracy but like every democracy in the world it has its flaws. Paul Biya became president in 1982 after Ahidjo resigned for health reasons. It is said Biya who had risen to Prime Minister planned with Ahidjo's doctor to deceive him to resign for health reasons..Lol

In 1984 Ahidjo having been sidelined by Biya orchestrated a failed coup etat that saw him self exiled. Ahidjo himself was a dictator for 22 years. He suceeded in killing lots of freedom fighters and silencing political opponents to form a one party state before Biya took over. Not to mention it was under his presidency that the Federal Republic of Cameroon fraudulently became a Republic of Cameroon.

When Biya took power he followed with the one party system that was akin to much of Africa. By 1990 economic crisis brought about discontent that led to popular uprising. Multi party politics was born and a first real competitive election organised in 1992. It is alleged the opposition won but was cheated giving Biya 40% and the closest opposition canditate 36%. After the election, the anglophone stronghold of the opposition fell into chaos that lasted for a year.

A constitution in 1992 had put the presidential term for five years and a two term maximum mandate. In 1997 the main opposition rooted in the English speaking region boycoytted the election calling for electoral reforms. Biya won easily this time around. During his 1997 mandate Biya was able to pass through the rubber stamp parliament an amendment to the presidential term from five years to seven years and a maximum two terms mandate.

By 2004 elections he had amassed some opposition parties to his corner...Lol. The main opposition which had its roots in the English speaking area had become weak. Another opposition with roots in the Muslim North had alligned with Biya. So despite cries of rigging by the opposition he won easily in 2004. During that tenure he had the rubber stamp assembly with his party lead scrap the presidential limit term from two term to indefinite..Democracy for you. Again in 2011 he won easily.

By 2018 the anglophone crisis had displaced and compromised the position of the anglophone rooted party as the main opposition. However it gave rise to a new opposition rooted in the francophone area led by an international lawyer Maurice Kamto. Despite the opposition candidate claiming victory before elections results were revealed in the 2018 Elections, Biya ended up getting 72% of the vote. Such is the story of Cameroon democracy with an 87 years old legitimate president in the eyes of the laws. If Trump had his way he will do exactly like Biya.

Flytime:
yh those pictures reminds me of the South East culture
About ruling for years, do you guys practice democracy because damn in Nigeria a couple would have happened if a leader tries that or a war of separation would repeat itself
I don't think any Nigeria can take that, I mean I can't even imagine it

About 25 million
Just remove 5 million and that's the population of Lagos
Do you have the government capital like Abuja in Nigeria?
Those tribes you mentioned I have no idea of not going to lie but they all sound South East Nigeria

I believe Cameroon would have been way better in Germany's control but their leader before world War 1 had to want to grow their territory


The French are known to milk their territories dry unlike the British that works with them, develop them and also milk them
In guessing they still have influence over your government just like they do to all their past colonies

Why do you guys still spend the CFA even though Franc doesn't exist
Don't you guys wanna break free from them?
In West Africa their is west African franc and it required including you guys in Central Africa to deposit half of your countries money in France

ECOWAS (west African Union) has been working for 10 years to have a single currency for all member countries just like euros for the EU
The plan was to have the currencies headquarter bank in one countries in the Western part of West Africa and the headquarter would be in Nigeria since Nigeria has the largest economy in Africa it would shoulder the currency
It was meant to launch this year but the ivory Coast (a former French colony)president went behind some countries back an damage a deal with france which means they do not have to deposit half of their currency in France but France would be printing the mobey and the currency would be pegged or euros which wasn't the plan

In short it still the same thing with more freedom, we would still have to go under the French bank to make deals and imagine Nigeria Putting their economy under france... It's just like giving France the key to West Africa
Now the name eco.. ECOWAS jata like euros European Union had been used and the 10 years plan ruined

France are still trying to have major influence over West Africa and central Africa, I even heard they found the French army is cards in a boko Haram camp

My point now is, no matter how you guys do it as long as they still have control over your economy you can't progress pass them and your currency can't be more valuable than euros doesn't that bother you guys?

How hot is Cameroon s d do you guys have states or territories like the British s d Nigeria used to until the Biafra war to prevent the leader of a territory from trying to form a country out of his territory

Is Cameroon the largest country, it may not be by population or land but economy and the likes in Central Africa?

Finally do you guys speak pidgin?

You sound as though countries colonised by France live in suffering while those by Britain are doing so well headed by Nigeria. Lol Nigeria might be the biggest economy in Africa and the most populous but its very far from being the most prosperous with regards to living conditions , human development index and GDP per capital.

Unlike what you might have heard most citizens of Former French colonised countries live way better than most Nigerians. LOL Of the 54 countries in Africa Nigeria is the 25th in term of human development index. Countries like Gabon which were French colonies have minimum wages four times higher than that of Nigeria.

Cameroon is the biggest country in the CEMAC sub region in terms of GDP and population. The CFA francs has been the currency after independence. The CFA has its disadvantages as well as its advantages. For good reason it has remained the currency of choice for some Former French colonised countries.

Now lets look at the economies of other Former French Economies that arn't using the francs CFA. Burundi, Rwanda, DRC, Guinea. These countries aren't doing any better. Most countries using the CFA are better than several African countries using their own currencies and Central Banks. Ivory Coast, Senegal, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon have stronger economies and hdi than Malawi, Zambia, Uganda etc.

Though I will like to see the CFA francs go as other not to be seen as a French puppet I do undestand it has to be handled with care lest it becomes frying pan to fire. A free fall currency for an oil dependent econony like Nigeria is a big risk. That's why the Naira falls and climbs at will. There is no certainty. I read someone complaining sardine now sells for 350N cos of inflation.

There is an advantage when the curency of a developing country or a volatile commodity dependent country is pegged to a stable currency. That's why the Ivorians couldn't afford to let the Eco be exposed to thesame troubles affecting the Naira. As much as French Africa wants to see the CFA francs go the know the stability enjoyed during he CFA has to be the hallmark of the new currency. Even the Saudi Arabian Riyal is pegged to the US dollars.

By the way I don't see why ECO has to be the name of the Ecowas currency. Eco stands for Economy. In a bid to copy the EURO the picked a geographically odd name. AFRIWAS should have made sense na

grandlexuz:


You sound as though countries colonised by France live in suffering while those by Britain are doing so well headed by Nigeria. Lol Nigeria might be the biggest economy in Africa and the most populous but its very far from being the most prosperous with regards to living conditions , human development index and GDP per capital.

Unlike what you might have heard most citizens of Former French colonised countries live way better than most Nigerians. LOL Of the 54 countries in Africa Nigeria is the 25th in term of human development index. Countries like Gabon which were French colonies have minimum wages four times higher than that of Nigeria.

Cameroon is the biggest country in the CEMAC sub region in terms of GDP and population. The CFA francs has been the currency after independence. The CFA has its disadvantages as well as its advantages. For good reason it has remained the currency of choice for some Former French colonised countries.

Now lets look at the economies of other Former French Economies that arn't using the francs CFA. Burundi, Rwanda, DRC, Guinea. These countries aren't doing any better. Most countries using the CFA are better than several African countries using their own currencies and Central Banks. Ivory Coast, Senegal, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon have stronger economies and hdi than Malawi, Zambia, Uganda etc.

Though I will like to see the CFA francs go as other not to be seen as a French puppet I do undestand it has to be handled with care lest it becomes frying pan to fire. A free fall currency for an oil dependent econony like Nigeria is a big risk. That's why the Naira falls and climbs at will. There is no certainty. I read someone complaining sardine now sells for 350N cos of inflation.

There is an advantage when the curency of a developing country or a volatile commodity dependent country is pegged to a stable currency. That's why the Ivorians couldn't afford to let the Eco be exposed to thesame troubles affecting the Naira. As much as French Africa wants to see the CFA francs go the know the stability enjoyed during he CFA has to be the hallmark of the new currency. Even the Saudi Arabian Riyal is pegged to the US dollars.

By the way I don't see why ECO has to be the name of the Ecowas currency. Eco stands for Economy. In a bid to copy the EURO the picked a geographically odd name. AFRIWAS should have made sense na

about the CFA, even though Nigeria's currency isn't stable the CFA is still weaker than naira
And for example in West Africa the British colonies are know to do better than the French colonies, I'll give you an example of the carrabian islands with haiti and Dr
Dr was colonized by Spain and Spain treated them right while Haiti was colonized by france ...Haiti (the first black country) is in ruins and probably the worst black country because of what france did to their resources and land

About inflation Buhari na bastard I mean if people are getting murdered on a daily basis he would not care but the moment 2 of his cows are killed he would declare a state of emergency

Lagos problem is tinubu and the likes
I mean Lagos is the smallest state in Nigeria and it generates more internal Revenue than 20 states combined and is still like that?
I mean come on

I must say, you write well

grandlexuz:


Lol. You got me laughing with a lot of things you said. This looks like a senate grilling and I will do my best to answer.

Yes we di talk pidgin. We own pidgin get small difference with wuna own. Orginally na
anglophones them di talk pidgin, but now so the whole country donc di learnam.

We do practice democracy but like every democracy in the world it has its flaws. Paul Biya became president in 1982 after Ahidjo resigned for health reasons. It is said Biya who had risen to Prime Minister planned with Ahidjo's doctor to deceive him to resign for health reasons..Lol

In 1984 Ahidjo having been sidelined by Biya orchestrated a failed coup etat that saw him self exiled. Ahidjo himself was a dictator for 22 years. He suceeded in killing lots of freedon fighters and silencing political oponents to form a one party state before Biya took over. Not to mention it was under his presidency that the Federal Republic of Cameroon fraudulently became a Republic of Cameroon.

When Biya took power he followed with the one party system that was akin to much of Africa. By 1990 economic crisis brought about discontent that led to popular uprising. Multi party politics was born and a first real competitive election organised in 1992. It is alleged the opposition won but was cheated giving Biya 40% and the closest opposition canditate 36%. After the election, the anglophone stronghold of the opposition fell into chaos that lasted for a year.

A constitution in 1992 had put the presidential term for five years and a two times maximum mandate. In 1997 the main opposition rooted in the English speaking region boycoytted the election asking for electoral reforms. Biya won easily this time around. During his 1997 mandate Biya was able to pass through the rubber stamp parliament an amendment to the presidential term from 5 years to seven years and a maximum two term mandate.

By 2004 elections he had amassed some opposition parties to his side...Lol. The main opposition which had its roots in the English speaking area had become weak. Another opposition with roots in the Muslim North had alligned with Biya. So despite cries of rigging by the opposition he won easily in 2004. During that tenure he had the rubber stamp assembly with his party lead scrap the presidential limit term from two term to indefinite..Democracy for you. Again in 2011 he won easily.

By 2018 the anglophone crisis had displaced and compromisd the position of the anglophone rooted party as the main opposition. However it gave rise to a new opposition rooted in the francophone area led by an international lawyer. Despite the opposotion candidate claiming victory before elections results were revealed in the 2018 Elections Biya ended up getting 72% of the vote. Such is the story of Cameroon democracy with an 87 years old legitimate president in the eyes of the laws. If Trump had his way he will do exactly like Biya.

lol if Trump tries that the world would fall into another chaos and world War 3 would happen because the us would be facing a lot of Internal crisis s d become weak

I'm guessing freedom of internet aand speech is really low in Cameroon, not that's it's high in Nigeria but they don't do it openly and only target people that succeed in causing chaos and claim they caused disorder in the nation just like they did by freezing major end stars protesters accounts and passports but ended up releasing them

Not gonna lie your pidgin sounds weird lol but that's probably the wya ours sound .. Because di (I don't get) wait was it something people who couldn't speak English spoke to try communicate with people who could a d mixed it with French?
I also heard French colonies French is different from the normal French

What can't you do in Cameroon that we probably don't know?

Flytime:
lol if Trump tries that the world would fall into another chaos and world War 3 would happen because the us would be facing a lot of Internal crisis s d become weak

I'm guessing freedom of internet ad speech is really low in Cameroon, not that's it's high in Nigeria but they don't do it openly and only target people that succeed in causing chaos and claim they caused disorder in the nation just like they did by freezing major end stars protesters accounts and passports but ended up releasing them

Not gonna lie your pidgin sounds weird lol but that's probably the wya ours sound .. Because di (I don't get) wait was it something people who couldn't speak English spoke to try communicate with people who could a d mixed it with French?
I also heard French colonies French is different from the normal French

What can't you do in Cameroon that we probably don't know?

On the contrary freedom of internet and speech is quite high in Cameroon. Atleast compared to what I read of Nigeria. Lol. Several private tv stations do criticise the government and Presidency. There are no laws limiting free speech and unlike what I have seen in countries like Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe were people get arrested for criticising and insulting the president online, you could just about say anythinng freely about Biya both online and on media.

Pidgin English has its roots to the slave trade era where it became lingua franca for evangelism and trade. Along the coast of Africa from Cameroon to Ghana different variants exist. Much recently in Cameroon different areas now speak slightly different pidgin English. In a French speaking town like Douala the francophones now have a funny variant. The fulani's (Bororo) also have their own variant. I bet its same in Nigeria. Warri pidgin get big difference with Lagos Pidgin na...Lol

If you think the English spoken in Nigeria is any different to that spoken in England so is the French here different to that in France. LOL

Flytime:
about the CFA, even though Nigeria's currency isn't stable the CFA is still weaker than naira
And for example in West Africa the British colonies are know to do better than the French colonies, I'll give you an example of the carrabian islands with haiti and Dr
Dr was colonized by Spain and Spain treated them right while Haiti was colonized by Dr and Haiti (the first black country) is in ruins and probably the worst black country because of what france did to their resources and land

About inflation Buhari na bastard I mean if people are getting murdered on a daily basis he would not care but the moment 2 of his cows are killed he would declare a state of emergency

Lagos problem is tinubu and the likes
I mean Lagos is the smallest state in Nigeria and it generates more internal Revenue than 20 states combines and is still like that?
I mean come on

I must say, you write well

The present exchange rate Naira to CFA is
1000 Naira= 1450 Frs CFA. (1N = 1.45CFA) Those who leave Cameroon to buy goods in Nigeria know 1450 frs CFA is worth more in Nigeria compared to Cameroon.

Police in Cameroon don't receive the 50 Naira bribe I see in Nollywood movies. LOL. 50 Naira equivalent has no value in Cameroon. You can't buy anything with that amount. If you give a five years old kid 50 Naira he will just throw in the bin.

Our paper currency starts from 500 frs which is 350 N. Our highest denomination is 10000 frs which is 7150 N. Road block police do receive from 1000 CFA which is 715 N.

To let you know how much the Naira has depreciated over the years. In the year 2000, 1000Naira equals to 6000 CFA francs. Twenty years after 1000 Naira can only buy you 1450 CFA.

The exchange rate of a currency is not proportional to the stability of the currency nor the economy. Take the Ghanian cedis. It is more valued than the South African Rand. Doesn't mean the Ghanains are better off than SA. I would rather trade in Rand than Cedis.
The South African Rand is more valued than the Japanese Yen yet SA isn't better than Japan. The Kuwaiti Dinar is more valued than the British Pounds or US Dollars, yet can't match both economies.

You mentioned the English speaking countries in West Africa are doing better than the French. You are joking right? I wouldn't say Ghana is doing better than Ivory Coast nor is Gambia better than Senegal. Sierra Leone is in pieces. Liberia though never colonised is no better than Burkina Faso.

Thank you for the compliments on my writings.

grandlexuz:


The present exchange rate Naira to CFA is
1000 Naira= 1450 Frs CFA. (1N = 1.45CFA) Those who leave Cameroon to buy goods in Nigeria know 1450 frs CFA is worth more in Nigeria compared to Cameroon.

Police in Cameroon don't receive the 50 Naira bribe from drivers I see in Nollywood movies. LOL. 50 Naira equivalent has no value in Cameroon. You can't buy anything with that amount. If you gave a five years old kid 50 Naira he will just throw in the bin.

Our paper currency starts from 500 frs which is 350 N. Our highest denomination is 10000 frs which is 7150 N. Police only receive from 1000frs which is 715 N from drivers.

To let you know how much the Naira has depreciated over the years. In the year 2000, 1000Naira equals to 6000 CFA francs. Twenty years after 1000 Naira can only buy you 1450 Naira.

The exchange rate of a currency is not proportional to the stability of the currency nor the economy. Take the Ghanian cedis. It is more valued than the South African Rand. Doesn't mean the Ghanains are better off than SA. I would rather trade in Rand than Cedis.
The South African Rand is more valued than the Japanese Yen doesnt make SA is better than Japan.

You mentioned the English speaking countries in West Africa are doing better than the French. You are joking right? I wouldn't say Ghana is doing better than Ivory Coast nor is Gambia better than Senegal. Sierra Leone is in pieces. Liberia though never colonised is no better than Burkina Faso.

Thank you for the compliments on my writings.

actually Ghana cedis isn't stronger than naira or CFA
They did something I've forgotten what's it's called in which they remove the zeros in the amount of money
Nigeria wanted to do it once but didn't

Okay.... If a man is earning 100000N and they remove two zeros then he's earning 1000N and it's valued the same way the 100000N was
The people think the currency is strong which was the Ghanaian government goal so that the people would stop trading in foreign currencies

Meanwhile in their central bank the money would be reversed to its original form which means 100N going to their bank would be 10000N in the eyes of the government

You sound like things are expensive in Cameroon like things became expensive lately because Buhari shit our border with neighboring countries claiming is promoting internal productions plus because of that eco currency thing(he didn't say that and most Nigerians don't even know about the currency but I have a strong feeling it's part

Thanks for enlightening me on Cameroon and francophone countries as a whole

Flytime:
actually Ghana cedis isn't stronger than naira or CFA
They did something I've forgotten what's it's called in which they remove the zeros in the amount of money
Nigeria wanted to do it once but via he'd their mind

Okay.... If a man is earning 100000N and they remove two zeros then he's earning 1000N and it's valued the same way the 100000N was
The people think the currency is strong which was the Ghanaian government goal so that the people would stop trading in foreign currencies

Meanwhile in their central bank the money would be reversed to its original form which means 100N going to their bank would be 10000N in the eyes of the government

You sound like things are expensive Cameroon like things became expensive lately because Buhari shit our bothered with neighboring countries claiming is promoting internal productions plus because of that eco currency thing(he didn't say that and most Nigerians don't even know about the currency but I have a strong feeling it's part

Thanks for enlightening me on Cameroon and francophone countries as a whole

What Ghana did to its currency in 2007 is called Re-denomination.
It was my pleasure talking about my country.

African economies out-performing other nations amid COVID-19 crisis
African economies will probably out-perform the rest of the world during the coronavirus pandemic, as the virus surge threatens to reverse global economic rebounds.
http://en.hausatv.com/news/content/21120

I love this thread.

Seun,mynd44 front page material.

Quite interesting. I have visited Cameroon and it is a beautiful country. But as I was reading your bias showed through. Immediately, I knew you were Francophone.

Of course, as a visitor I don't know it all but I can say the Anglophones have been truly marginalized. There is a huge difference between Bamenda and Douola. I stayed in both cities. Bamenda hardly has electricity worsened by the curfew in place while Douola is bubbling as the seat of Francophone. I also noticed the Anglophones love Nigerians while the French speaking generally dislike and hate Nigerians. I passed through the war torn villages and it is sad to see towns and villages destroyed by the insurgents and the government.

Cameroon is blessed butt they can do better. Especially reduce their hostility to foreigners.

grandlexuz:


The present exchange rate Naira to CFA is
1000 Naira= 1450 Frs CFA. (1N = 1.45CFA) Those who leave Cameroon to buy goods in Nigeria know 1450 frs CFA is worth more in Nigeria compared to Cameroon.

Police in Cameroon don't receive the 50 Naira bribe from drivers I see in Nollywood movies. LOL. 50 Naira equivalent has no value in Cameroon. You can't buy anything with that amount. If you gave a five years old kid 50 Naira he will just throw in the bin.

Our paper currency starts from 500 frs which is 350 N. Our highest denomination is 10000 frs which is 7150 N. Police only receive from 1000frs which is 715 N from drivers.

To let you know how much the Naira has depreciated over the years. In the year 2000, 1000Naira equals to 6000 CFA francs. Twenty years after 1000 Naira can only buy you 1450 Naira.

The exchange rate of a currency is not proportional to the stability of the currency nor the economy. Take the Ghanian cedis. It is more valued than the South African Rand. Doesn't mean the Ghanains are better off than SA. I would rather trade in Rand than Cedis.
The South African Rand is more valued than the Japanese Yen doesnt make SA is better than Japan.

You mentioned the English speaking countries in West Africa are doing better than the French. You are joking right? I wouldn't say Ghana is doing better than Ivory Coast nor is Gambia better than Senegal. Sierra Leone is in pieces. Liberia though never colonised is no better than Burkina Faso.

Thank you for the compliments on my writings.

When I visited in March 1000frs was worth 550 naira and the police demanded 2000frs at every security post on the road. It was terrible! Only a few understood we were academics and allowed us pass with our letter of invite.
But I did enjoy Kribii a tourist site. Quite expensive though but lovely. I would love to visit Cameroon again but only when the anger has dissolved and issues settled. I also visited Petite Terrace in Douala.
Douola was very hot and Bamenda very cold. Do you know even in the university of Douala, the students from Bamenda and Dchang were attacked? Their bus damaged? I guess the pain is still there.

But to me Nigeria remains a far better and more progressed country than Cameroon. The monopoly on business should be challenged for quicker development.

I must mention also that some Cameroonians are very good drinkers. They like their alcohol.

Beninwitch:


When I visited in March 1000frs was worth 550 naira and the police demanded 2000frs at every security post on the road. It was terrible! Only a few understood we were academics and allowed us pass with our letter of invite.
But I did enjoy Kribii a tourist site. Quite expensive though but lovely. I would love to visit Cameroon again but only when the anger has dissolved and issues settled. I also visited Petite Terrace in Douala.
Douola was very hot and Bamenda very cold. Do you know even in the university of Douala, the students from Bamenda and Dchang were attacked? Their bus damaged? I guess the pain is still there.

But to me Nigeria remains a far better and more progressed country than Cameroon. The monopoly on business should be challenged for quicker development.

I must mention also that some Cameroonians are very good drinkers. They like their alcohol.

Expatiate on the part in bold, your point ain't clear.

Beninwitch:
Quite interesting. I have visited Cameroon and it is a beautiful country. But as I was reading your bias showed through. Immediately, I knew you were Francophone.

Of course, as a visitor I don't know it all but I can say the Anglophones have been truly marginalized. There is a huge difference between Bamenda and Douola. I stayed in both cities. Bamenda hardly has electricity worsened by the curfew in place while Douola is bubbling as the seat of Francophone. I also noticed the Anglophones love Nigerians while the French speaking generally dislike and hate Nigerians. I passed through the war torn villages and it is sad to see towns and villages destroyed by the insurgents and the government.

Cameroon is blessed butt they can do better. Especially reduce their hostility to foreigners.

On the contrary I am an Anglophone. One hundred percent Anglophone. I tried to portray the story of Cameroon from a neutral stand point. It's a shame you visited Bamenda after it's been ravaged by infightings. I grew up in Bamenda and electricity was never an issue. Both government and secessionist sabotage have contributed to the shortfalls.

Douala is the economic capital of Cameroon and can't be matched to Bamenda. That can't be attributed to marginalisation. You can't compare Lagos to Enugu or Calalabar for good reasons. As a research Pharmacognosist I have been all over Cameroon. Bamenda is a hundred times ahead Ebolowa which is the Regional Capital of the Region of origin of President Biya. It's just not Ebolowa; Bamenda is better than Bertoua, Baffousam, Maroua Ngaoundere, all regional head quarters.

The devastation of the war torn villages is a topic for another day. Both the government forces and the seccesionists have been brutal at best; then again it's hard to understand some of the attrocities committed by the seccesionists on their very own. For the government forces I can understand. Like Fela sang, "The bring sorrows tears and blood, them regular trade mark"

The supposed hostility towards foreigners could take an entire day to debate. I once housed an Edo girl for four months for free. I met her on the streets of Yaounde in 2001 and took her in. Pretty as she was I never took advantage of her. I kept her for four months and eventually paid her fare to Lagos. Thats hospitality. I know alot of Cameroonians who will do same.

I wouldn't say the Francophones hate Nigerians. Most of them just have an attitude problem borne from a mannerless culture. A typical francophone neighbour will get up in the morning and not greet you. He hasn't got a grudge , it's poor upbringing. A francophone kid gets into your house, comfortably sits without greeting the owner of the house. An Anglophone kid will greet you as many times as he passes you on the street.

Beninwitch:


When I visited in March 1000frs was worth 550 naira and the police demanded 2000frs at every security post on the road. It was terrible! Only a few understood we were academics and allowed us pass with our letter of invite.
But I did enjoy Kribii a tourist site. Quite expensive though but lovely. I would love to visit Cameroon again but only when the anger has dissolved and issues settled. I also visited Petite Terrace in Douala.
Douola was very hot and Bamenda very cold. Do you know even in the university of Douala, the students from Bamenda and Dchang were attacked? Their bus damaged? I guess the pain is still there.

But to me Nigeria remains a far better and more progressed country than Cameroon. The monopoly on business should be challenged for quicker development.

I must mention also that some Cameroonians are very good drinkers. They like their alcohol.

The exchange rate fluctuates alot. I think 550N to 1000CFA certainly gave you an edge. Kribi is a lovely town. When I finally fall in love with a nairaland babe will take her there for honeymoon..Lol. Another beautiful touristic town is Limbe with black sandy beaches. That's my town. Anytime you visit again do hook me up and I'll gladly show you around. What brought you to Cameroon? You mentioned academic research. I would think the University of Buea should have been a stop. It's the oldest Anglophone university in the country and accredited too.

The worst days of the crisis are over. Things are begining to get to normal with many displaced persons returning to once deserted villages.

Offcourse as a Nigerian you bound to pick Naija over Cameroon. Lol That said Nigeria has better infrastructural developments compared to Cameroon. Monopoly on business ?? Hmmm... Every country has got some monopolised sectors. I wouldn't say Cameroon has a monopolised business structure. Whatever the word means.

Nigeria has got a population eight times that of Cameroon, a land mass twice the size of Cameroon, features in the top ten producers of oil in the world. For good reason the should be better developed to Cameroon. Still I like it here anytime anyday.

grandlexuz:


The exchange rate fluctuates alot. I think 550N to 1000CFA certainly gave you an edge. Kribi is a lovely town. When I finally fall in love with a nairaland babe will take her there for honeymoon..Lol. Another beautiful touristic town is Limbe with black sandy beaches. That's my town. Anytime you visit again do hook me up and I'll gladly show you around. What brought you to Cameroon? You mentioned academic research. I would think the University of Buea should have been a stop. It's the oldest Anglophone university in the country and accredited too.

The worst days of the crisis are over. Things are begining to get to normal with many displaced persons returning to once deserted villages.

Offcourse as a Nigerian you bound to pick Naija over Cameroon. Lol That said Nigeria has better infrastructural developments compared to Cameroon. Monopoly on business ?? Hmmm... Every country has got some monopolised sectors. I wouldn't say Cameroon has a monopolised business structure. Whatever the word means.

Nigeria has got a population eight times that of Cameroon, a land mass twice the size of Cameroon, features in the top ten producers of oil in the world. For good reason the should be better developed to Cameroon. Still I like it here anytime anyday.

This is a beautiful thread.
I have met a very few Cameroonians and I think they are mostly anglophones. Two of them are doctors working here in Nigeria. Funny, one has his own clinic in Benin city. Once in a while their wives visits. I never noticed any accent in them as they sounded Nigerian, maybe they've been here for a long time.

I would love to know what the opportunities are like Cameroon especially Daoula or Yaoundé. I feel Bamenda would erupt in violence again. Please tell me about the rent, the electricity tariff and general cost of living

Also I have always had my eyes on equatorial guniea, please can you tell me anything about it.


If Nigeria was a good country by now, I don't think we would allow the francophones treat the anglophones in Cameroon with so much disrespect.

Daum:



This is a beautiful thread.
I have met a very few Cameroonians and I think they are mostly anglophones. Two of them are doctors working here in Nigeria. Funny, one has his own clinic in Benin city. Once in a while their wives visits. I never noticed any accent in them as they sounded Nigerian, maybe they've been here for a long time.

I would love to know what the opportunities are like Cameroon especially Daoula or Yaoundé. I feel Bamenda would erupt in violence again. Please tell me about the rent, the electricity tariff and general cost of living

Also I have always had my eyes on equatorial guniea, please can you tell me anything about it.


If Nigeria was a good country by now, I don't think we would allow the francophones treat the anglophones in Cameroon with so much disrespect.

I wouldn't say the Francophones treat the anglophones with disrespect. If I must be honest I have seen disrespect on nairaland. Igbo's insulting Yoruba's and vice versa. That's what I call disrespect. The rivalry between anglophones and Francophones is one of poor governing structures and not very much with the people themselves. As an Anglophone I could very much live anywhere in Cameroon, marry from across any of the 250 different tribes without obstruction of language and tribe.

Cost of accomodation will definitely depend on the area and housing unit. I will make a list of prices of the different amenities in Douala and Yaounde and drop it for you. Equatorial Guinea is also an attractive destination especially Malabo. However much recently things haven't been the best with the fall in oil prices and covid. Are you moving there to set up a business or operate a skill.?

grandlexuz:


I wouldn't say the Francophones treat the anglophones with disrespect. If I must be honest I have seen disrespect on nairaland. Igbo's insulting Yoruba's and vice versa. That's what I call disrespect. The rivalry between anglophones and Francophones is one of poor governing structures and not very much with the people themselves. As an Anglophone I could very much live anywhere in Cameroon, marry from across any of the 250 different tribes without obstruction of language and tribe.

Cost of accomodation will definitely depend on the area and housing unit. I will make a list of prices of the different amenities in Douala and Yaounde and drop it for you. Equatorial Guinea is also an attractive destination especially Malabo. However much recently things haven't been the best with the fall in oil prices and covid. Are you moving there to set up a business or operate a skill.?

I am a young man. Still trying to find his foot in life lol.....I love traveling but the finance isn't there. A friend of mine is thinking about relocating from Benin republic to Nigeria but the electricity challenge in Nigeria is making him worried. I saw where you said electricity in Cameroon is good.

So I wanted to know more, so I could recommend it for him.

[qu,ote author=Daum post=99131848]


I am a young man. Still trying to find his foot in life lol.....I love traveling but the finance isn't there. A friend of mine is thinking about relocating from Benin republic to Nigeria but the electricity challenge in Nigeria is making him worried. I saw where you said electricity in Cameroon is good.

So I wanted to know more, so I could recommend it for him.

[/quote]

Don't worry someday soon you will find the funds to travel round the world in eighty days.Lol. Is your friend a Beninoise or Nigerian ? I can better advice him based on what he plans to do in Cameroon...

grandlexuz:
[qu,ote author=Daum post=99131848]


I am a young man. Still trying to find his foot in life lol.....I love traveling but the finance isn't there. A friend of mine is thinking about relocating from Benin republic to Nigeria but the electricity challenge in Nigeria is making him worried. I saw where you said electricity in Cameroon is good.

So I wanted to know more, so I could recommend it for him.



Don't worry someday soon you will find the funds to travel round the world in eighty days.Lol. Is your friend a Beninoise or Nigerian ? I cban better advice him based on what he plans to do in Cameroon...

He is a Nigerian

J

Lens101:
Can I get to Cameroon through land border?
I am a Nigerian coming to resume school over there due to the recent scholarship I got. I lost my passport, just getting a new one which will take over a month to get. I can’t wait that long to resume classes.
I hope Cameroon immigration won’t give me problem much at the land border since i am not coming with international pasport. I will be coming with scholarship notification letter and my national identity document.

I will like to know how to go about using the land border without international pasport. I reached out to Cameroon embassy in Nigeria, I was told as a Nigerian I don’t need a visa to enter Cameroon that I can enter then go to Cameroon immigration center for permit.

Please I need how to get to Cameroon from Lagos.

Hello I only just now saw your post which was done over two weeks ago; quite late because you didn't hit my mention.. Have you left Nigeria already? Did you get a new passport.? As a student you should be able to get a two years residential permit for half the regular price.

Nigerians pay roughly 200 dollars for a two years permit. As a student it could cost you about 90 dollars. I will advice you get one as soon as you arrive. Cameroonians are required to be in possession of a national identity card at all times and by law the non possession of an ID card when required by an officer could land you six months in prison

Although Nigerians don't need a visa to visit Cameroon you are required a passport to enter which gets an entry stamp. That enables you to travel to your destination without the hassle of the police. I'm not saying you can't get through without a passport but be ready to pay bribes to never friendly money hungry police officers as you journey through. Mind you from the border to your destination you will encounter a thousand of them.

Where in Cameroon is your last destination. ? A scholarship to Cameroon.!! Cameroon donc turn into Obodoyibo oh. Lol If you have not already left there are several routes that will take you from Lagos to your final destination. If you not afraid of the waters you will have to get to Calabar and take a boat to the SW Region of Cameroon. There is also another route through Ikom that doesn't entail sailing. Let me know your position and will kick it from there.

Astute thread, with none of the descent into cerebral madness when opposing views are aired. Have never visited Cameroon but am familiar with all of the CFA countries to the west.

On greetings, it’s funny as I think the opposite. My view on my time in Ivory Coast is that they greet anything that moves, while having spent a lot of time in Naija and Ghana - the salutation culture is not as strong.

Always wanted to roll to Limbe, looks amazing. Would have loved to have visited before the troubles as It would have reduced trust and warmth.

Let’s be clear though, Biya is the new Mobutu and has long overstayed his mandate. What does he want to do now, that he has been unable to complete in the past 38 years. France enables all of these tinpot leaders. As long as French companies and interests are served, they are not concerned about liberte, égalité, fraternité.

sayisayi:
Astute thread, with none of the descent into cerebral madness when opposing views are aired. Have never visited Cameroon but am familiar with all of the CFA countries to the west.

On greetings, it’s funny as I think the opposite. My view on my time in Ivory Coast is that they greet anything that moves, while having spent a lot of time in Naija and Ghana - the salutation culture is not as strong.

Always wanted to roll to Limbe, looks amazing. Would have loved to have visited before the troubles as It would have reduced trust and warmth.

Ivorians greeting everything that moves got me choking. Lol I have always ascribed the Cameroonian Francophone poor manners to the French colonisers. Now that you talked about the Ivorians I realised I have been wrong all through. Sounds more like a cultural thing then.

However when I look at both systems the English kids start kindergarden with the words good morning . I can't say same for the Francophones. Looks like I have got to do some research on this topic . It's deeper than it looks..Lol

Limbe is a great town. That's my city. If you ever roll in someday be sure to hook me. Come along with plenty of dollars though, cos in Limbe it is the visitor who foots the bill..Lol

sayisayi:
Let’s be clear though, Biya is the new Mobutu and has long overstayed his mandate. What does he want to do now, that he has been unable to complete in the past 38 years. France enables all of these tinpot leaders. As long as French companies and interests are served, they are not concerned about liberte, égalité, fraternité.

There is no denying. Actually if covid could hit him it will be celebrations across the country. .Lol Sometimes I feel even his own wife will celebrate his departure..Lol. That's just for the fun. On a serious note many in his inner circle will like to see him go but don't have the guts. Whilst I could accurately predict Magufuli's downfall, Grand Paulo has dodged my radar..Lol. The guy is a cat with nine lives.

I don't think the French are not tired of him. A few years ago or so he faced some huge criticsm from the French leader that led to a diplomatic standoff of some sort. If you ask me I think the French have lost the influence on who governs in most of their former territories. The average Cameroonian is not blood thirsty and that's why Grand Paulo is still at the helm.